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Cancer Journal #8- Ride The Lightning

August 2, 2026 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Lightning strikes are a powerful and a natural phenomenon that occur frequently during summer storms. These flashes of light, are a reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the weather. Likewise, Life can be unpredictable similar to the weather. As a result of those unpredictable changes in life, we have a choice to “Ride the Lightning” or weather the storm in other ways. Read on to learn more about my personal “lightning” experience with cancer and how our own personal health OR life challenges can alter our trajectory.

Summer Storm Season

One of the instant visuals of a summer storm is lightning. Lightning releases electricity in the form of a bright flash of light. Lightning strikes are fast, moving at the literal speed of light! When lightning occurs, the atmosphere is trying to correct an imbalance within. If you see lightning, it’s time to take cover.

Lightning strikes are extremely powerful. The energy potential of lightning is 5 times greater than the heat of the sun! The impact of a single strike can be devastating.

We recently experienced a powerful storm on the evening of July 8th. Lightning tripped an electrical breaker and luckily only our internet connection was lost. We ended up having to replace our modem and had our internet restored 24 hours later.

Shortly afterwards of a lightning flash, one might hear the impactful sound, of Thunder. Roar… Boom! Sometimes the noise of thunder resonates through the windows of the house and the rattle of the thunderstorm is heard…the physical audible power and strength of the upcoming storm ahead.

Thunder is the sound lightning creates… the air has been superheated and expanding, creating a compression wave of sound, Thunder.

Both of these natural phenomena are part of the summer storm cycle that we are privy to each summer season… dynamic and unpredictable.

“Ride The Lightning”

I had a conversation with a good friend recently, and in that moment, he described life recently… “I’m just riding the lightning”. I laughed at that statement, but understood the meaning behind it… Finding those “electrifying” moments or events in daily life and simply working through them, building resilience.

After a bit of thought, following that conversation, “Ride The Lightning”, might be a good description of my journey with Cancer after treatment and moving towards cancer survivorship.

Life after cancer has become a journey of resilience and adaptability. Just as lightning can be both beautiful and destructive, so too can the challenges of cancer recovery.

Life After Cancer… Lightning Strikes

The last five months after completing cancer treatment, has not been a straight line moving forward into full recovery. The “thunderstorm” has lingered overhead.

The visible Zig Zag lines of lightning ⚡️… has definitely marked my cancer journey. Some days I can only zig. Other days I can zig zag. Cancer fatigue and heat have not been friends with me this summer.

Lightning streaks across the sky, creating a powerful show from the heavens. They say lightning never strikes twice, but in this instance it has… Menopause resurgence. Let me explain a bit further.

Estrogen slowly declines during natural menopause. Under normal conditions, when women go through menopause, estrogen levels drop from about 100-200 units to less than 25 units. In that natural process, body systems slowly adapt and women continue to monitor these ongoing changes and adapt as best as they can. I had already been through that adjustment, of Menopause, prior to my cancer diagnosis.

After my active treatment was completed, one of the medications I needed, was an Estrogen suppressant. These are commonly called AI’s or Aromatase Inhibitors. Since my breast cancer was strongly estrogen positive, one of the ways this cancer reoccurrence is managed is through estrogen suppressant medication. Most women on AI’s take these for 5 years, some must take them for 10 years.

After being on this new medication for only a few days, I quickly realized I was in a tornado of sorts. The goal of these AI’s are to drop your estrogen levels towards 0. This medication has been brutally unforgiving… My lightning in the storm.

The estrogen suppressant medication immediately caused a literal wreck of several of my body systems like “lightning” hitting a target. Boom! I was extremely surprised how quick and swift how my body systems reacted virtually overnight.

Like a powerful lightning storm, this AI medicine was creating havoc within multiple body systems simultaneously.

Those of you who have experienced breast cancer or have taken estrogen suppressant medications, can understand this analogy!

I have read that close to 40-50 percent of women choose not to finish their estrogen suppressant medication cycle due to the amount of side effects experienced from these medications. This form of “lightning menopause” is definitely different from a normal cycle of menopause.

Menopause is not something women go through and get over. This is a true life phase. Over time, the side effects may lessen in nature, but the body has changed forever without the estrogen… your bones, joints, muscles, skin, hair… just to name a few all have changed.

Riding out the Storm

After a few days on the new AI medication, I felt like I was walking into the eye of a hurricane. My body was dramatically different. I tried to adjust to these radical changes, by Zigzagging with the lightning, but the results for me have been quite mixed. Some days are better than others. Impactful Side effects like (sleep disturbances, heat intolerance, fatigue, joint/bone pain, brain fog/forgetfulness, and hot flashes) have been associated with these types of medications. I’ve personally experienced most of these symptoms.

Finding A New Normal After the Storm

The intense Menopausal Lightning strike had hit hard. I had to adjust to a “new daily normal” after active cancer treatment.

I soon had a lightning realization that it was virtually impossible to get back to the way things “used to be” prior to cancer right now. I’m still experiencing the Zig and Zag of the lightning. It is not a straight line to completion.

Ultimately, things will always be different as a result of my Cancer diagnosis and treatment. AND I knew my life would change as a result of ongoing scans, bloodwork, changes in eating habits, rest requirements, slower mornings, needing weight management, etc.

Cancer recovery is a lifelong process. Cancer recovery doesn’t end after active treatment and it can look very different for each individual based on their experience with cancer.

Cancer itself is the perfect storm, often no warning signs are present. It takes the body time to adjust and heal from the trauma like any huge health event. The lasting impact of cancer lingers on like a tornado or hurricane touchdown in a small community. The impact is felt for years to come in every single aspect of life.

Help Arrives During the Storm

My medical team has served as the umbrella ☂️ for the storm. That same group of professionals has helped me navigate the havoc, dealing with each new “lightning” problem. I’m deeply thankful for their guidance during this difficult transition. My medical team has truly dedicated themselves daily to cancer care, recovery and survivorship, I feel blessed to be in their care.

As a result, I’ve been able to find ways to manage ongoing side effects through the aid of supplements, acupuncture, and a change in my AI, estrogen suppressant medication.

A Storm Watch

It’s always good to know when a storm is approaching, especially if it is going to be severe in nature. Local weather channels will often call for a storm watch prior to the outbreak of a storm. This allows people time to prepare! No one enjoys Power outages from downed trees, or lightning strikes. Storm flooding can be devastating, and costly. Seeking shelter is a must during a storm.

A few people have said to me recently, “I thought you were good now since cancer treatment is over”. The long, but short answer is NO. Recovery takes time, it is not immediate for everyone experiencing cancer. I’ve faced a few challenges personally.

Storm Warning Issued

Once a storm warning has been announced, it’s time to bunker down and await the arrival of the storm. Likewise for me, the lingering impact of cancer fatigue, combined with high humidity and temperatures, and other side effects, has slowed my recovery progress dramatically.

Along with the those factors and the impact of Lightning Menopause has been my biggest obstacles in recent months… like a fallen tree during a storm. Simply delayed recovery.

Sleep disturbances have been more frequent than I like to admit. Sleep is one of the cornerstones of maintaining a healthy balance in life.

Managing Weather Impact Days

Our local weather forecasters love to use the term Weather Impact Day on the 7 day forecast. This terminology gives everyone a heads up about the coming weather for that impactful day. You can plan your activities accordingly and adjust to hopefully avoid any bad weather around that Weather Impact Day.

Here’s a quick tidbit about the importance of Estrogen and how the body uses it. As estrogen is depleted out of the body, during natural menopause, several key areas of the body are changing and not necessarily in a healthy way…. Cardiovascular, muscular, cognitive, and pelvic just to name a few. The body quietly recalibrates itself as estrogen slow declines in natural menopause, BUT in a “Lightning Menopause” scenario, this process is brutally quick. The AI medication drops your estrogen levels to near 0.

Why is this Important for all women, not just those on AI’s???? Estrogen keeps your blood vessels flexible, cholesterol particles small, and blood pressure lower. As the menopausal process begins, the loss of estrogen can lead to more increased health risks! More women die of heart disease in later life (after menopause) than cancer. This is a definite storm warning for us all!

Should we just stand by and await our fate, as estrogen slowly drains away? I think not, we should prepare for severe weather storm. Meet the Weather Impact Day with a full concept of what is happening!

Also, it is critical that we note changes in how we feel, being mindful of what is going into our bodies as far as diet, remembering that sleep is restorative, and movement is key! Seek the advice of medical professionals if you are having difficulty weathering the storm.

Don’t hesitate to contact another medical professional if you feel you are not being heard. Yes, I once had a medical professional to tell me to not to ask any more questions about Menopause. I have since moved on to find a new provider.

I do realize that it is difficult to explain the Cancer Storm unless you have been in it and sometimes people grow weary of the Storm, seeking the sunshine and brighter days instead. My message today is for all women, not necessarily those who are experiencing cancer. Menopause is a life phase and the body systems change dramatically and can impact your health moving forward. That’s the storm warning, we all need to understand and comprehend.

Hope inside the Storm

After all the chaos of the last 5 months, I find there’s hope, in the storm. Rain offers a chance for nature to hit the reset button. I have found that to be the case for me as well.

Rain… brings restoration to the earth and the physical body, allowing time to heal and rest. I have found that rest is a MUST during the midst of a stormy day. Retreating into the safety of a shelter, getting out of the elements of a harsh storm with thunder, lightning, wind and heavy rains offers a refuge.

Rain… also brings the opportunity for growth. Without needed rainwater, plants and flowers can’t grow and thrive.

Which brings me to another thought, storms do come to an end. Thankfully, severe thunderstorms don’t last forever!!! Blue skies eventually return!!!

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Yard Personality

May 7, 2026 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

From the farm to the classic Southern porch, outdoor spaces have always been a source of comfort and connection. Whether it’s a grandparent’s porch or a friend’s carport, these outdoor spaces offer a perfect blend of all things nature and relaxation. All the while, these outdoor areas reveal a sense of personal warmth permeating from the home. Read on and learn more about creating your own unique Yard Personality.

I can remember going to visit my Grandparents house which we called “the farm”. As young kids we had a large open space to run and play outside. Often as you would drive up to the farm, you could find my Grandma and Grandpa Adams outside on the porch or they would be sitting under a shade tree in lawn chairs.

*Old Beautiful trees dotted my Grandparents landscape at the farm as a young kid*

The cousins group had loads of fun playing on the farm. We had a large open space to run and play outside. Thankfully, we were always within earshot and eyesight of the adults who were visiting outside. A small creek ran behind the house and we cousins would end up there in our wanderings and play.

I recently visited a friend. We were sitting outside on her carport. She has created a sweet, little spot to retreat to… complete with an outdoor rug, comfortable, cushioned chairs, music playing, and yes, a ceiling fan just to name a few amenities. The natural breeze flowing through the porch made it a perfect spot to spend a warm afternoon in conversation with good friends.

These family memories coupled with my recent visit to my friends house, got me to thinking about how people use or don’t use their space/ yard and how “individual personality” can impact outdoor spaces and its uses.

*Living on a Farm… yard personality of its own*

Growing up and living in the South, I would like to note that probably one of the most common outdoor spaces that people use are porches… front/back porch, or maybe even a screened in porch.

**Porches: a place where stories are told and memories are made** …This long, large porch located in Valle Crucis has been a favorite of ours *for many years*

The PORCH… where HOME meets the outside world. A porch allows us to connect with the exterior world, all the while, enjoying the creature comforts of being HOME.

These outdoor “rooms” are often used as a gathering place or even as a place of retreat. On a Southern porch, you can definitely “sit a spell”… one can watch traffic go by, swing, rock the day away in your favorite chair, view the stars at night, or simply listen to the sounds of nature.

Within the confines of a porch outdoor space, one can let the worries of the day wash away. Complete with and no phones or technology. Add in a cold beverage in hand, and the perfect porch sitting weather is upon us, minus the pollen!!

*New Rocking Chairs from WCH are a perfect way to spend a afternoon relaxing on a porch or deck*

As we sometimes do, Richard and I will go for a drive on a sunny afternoon. I love to “window watch” from the vehicle window as we make our way down the country roads.

Those Sunday afternoon adventures make me realize that Summertime is a wonderful time to notice the little bits and pieces of Yard Personality from the exterior and my car window…You know it when you see it as we make the “drive by”. Kids in the yard playing games, or even noting an interest in gardening with flowers abounding from the yard. Then I spot Rocking Chairs on the front porch as we pass by. The visible story of the homeowners unraveling right in front of your eyes… neatly kept lawn and shrubs, and orderly gardens. Or maybe just the opposite, flowing gardens that seamlessly wander from one area to another, featuring an old chair, chipping paint holding a garden treasure, the grass waiting to be mowed. Both of these scenarios create a sense of order and peace for each homeowner because that’s exactly what they wanted. Marked distinct features of personality that dominate the Yard…just from a quick glance as we drive past.

This chippy chair holds a strawberry plant on my back porch.

Have you ever thought about your distinct yard personality??? I haven’t ever given this topic much consideration, until recently. Is this really a legitimate topic… Absolutely!!!

First let’s define the term “YARD”. According to our purposes of this topic… a YARD is the entire surrounding area around the house, including the grass, pavement, porches, other outdoor spaces, and includes dedicated gardens.

*Walkways are an important part of Yard Personalization, visually what is seen as you approach the front door? Is it welcoming to visitors?*

In essence, the YARD is ALL useable outdoor space. Looking at the term YARD, the opposite is true in the United Kingdom. The garden IS the whole. Yard would not be the proper terminology.

*Gardens are the baseline of the individualized personality in the UK, it’s nice to include the whole perimeter of your usable area in **Yard Personalization** here in the US*

Processing this new concept of Yard Personality, I think it’s crucial to understand that People will prioritize their needs and wants into how they want to use their yard based upon what it’s important to them. Of course, often budget is a factor… but the use of good ol’ elbow grease, sweat equity and repurposing materials can make a huge impact!

After a quick visit at my friend’s house, I concluded that she has beautifully created a place to relax and uses that space as a place to retreat after a long day at work.

According to a quick Google search, most people fall into a few key categories when it comes to YARD PERSONALITY. I was extremely curious to see where I would fall… or not be found.🧐 Would my style potentially overlap with more than one???

*This sweet little stained glass frog would look great in any outdoor space.*

My curiosity got the best of me and I kept diving into it. Here’s my modified list to keep it simple and easier for writing purposes.

Yard Personalities:

1. The Lawn Expert… these individuals create a carefully designed and manicured/maintained yard. Gardens are well kept or maybe not present because the emphasis is literally on the beautiful the yard itself.

*The Gardens pictured here at Tryon Palace are a perfect example of the “Expert”*

2. The Lover of Nature… The Yard and Gardens meandering about, flowing with a variety of colors and styles of flowers. Areas are designed in the yard to attract various species of wildlife(hummingbirds, birds, butterflies, etc) and you may find seating areas present to enjoy the fruits of their labor throughout the entire yard.

*Planting to attract wide variety of bees, butterflies, etc*

*Bird houses and feeders in all shapes and sizes available at WCH*

3. The Entertainer…This individual may have a Grilling area is set up to entertain and to cook up a great meal, a festive outdoor table set to welcome friends and family, maybe a fire pit to welcome guests, lawn games, swimming pool, you name it, the Entertainer will have it!

*BBQ sauces, rubs, Traeger pellets, and grill accessories all available at WCH for the summer entertainer*

4. The Kid and/or Pet Friendly Yard… Basketball, volleyball, soccer goals set up in yard, or swimming pool visible…riding toys scattering along the driveway or the yard, outdoor play areas created for the kids, or maybe even a tree house. Backyard fences keep the kids and pets within view and allow them to play safely.

*Pool water testing and chemicals are available for purchase at WCH all summer long for family fun😎*

This is just a small sample of brainstorming that I did to imagine these different types of Yard Personalities. I feel sure that this is only scratching the surface!

My mind then wandered back to my own to Spring “to do list” as I began refining and defining my Yard Personality. 🧐. What area(s) did I want to focus upon in my own YARD???? After some thought, I decided our back porch needed a bit of TLC.

*A good back porch cleaning was necessary… we have some great items at WCH for outdoor clean up*

So I’ll pose the same questions to you. Did you find a Yard Personality that you strongly identified with??? Is your yard in shape for the upcoming Spring and Summer season??? 🧐🧐🧐

*These handmade wind chimes would make a great addition to any yard or garden*

Currently, I’m slowly trying to make a few projects a reality and keeping within budget using objects that I already have… finding a new way to repurpose them, and adding in color/texture as I can. I’ve slowly been working on my back porch area over the last few weeks adding a few things to make it more comfortable for us to use on a regular basis in hopes that it will become a welcoming space for all of us as well as our guests.

Work in progress from my back porch, flowers still yet to be planted, repurposing my strawberry planter as a quick side table… hanging baskets and crates to warm up the siding using vinyl siding clips, very easy project!!!

Another thing worth mentioning, a portion of Yard Personality can be attributed to how you use found objects or even Art in your space.

*These unique outdoor lanterns add a nice touch of Art and beauty to your existing landscape*

Art is often a form of creative expression and imagination which can be found in a visual form. It could be the appearance of hand created objects, like bird houses, or feeders, or the appearance of a symphony of vibrant colors from the garden, or Yard Art.

*These PVC bird houses found at WCH are exceptional!!! Long lasting and made in NC!!!*

The use of Art can evolve with your imagination and creativity all the while, looking at needs and wants within a given outdoor space… ultimately bringing vibrancy to your Yard.

Let your imagination and creative energy shine this year! Wilkes County Hardware is here to support your new found passion and dedication to creating and developing your own unique Yard Personality, making home a true place of retreat and comfort.

*Store Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-6pm , Saturday 9am-3pm*

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Summer Photography 2025

September 1, 2025 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

It is so hard to believe that the Summer of 2025 is coming to an end soon! This blog post is devoted to my photography favorites from this Summer as a reminder of some of my treasured moments. I hope that you will enjoy these photos that I have complied as the Best of Summer in photographic form… a “love story” of Summer.

Life is Always Better In The Garden…

Flower Tower Power!!! “Heavy Metal” Project

Summer Snapshots…

Fresh Blackberries… it’s Sonker time! Sonker Summers

July 4th Fireworks…

Summer Mountain Time… We spent some restful, quality time this summer at our friend’s cabin on Buck Mountain. I’m always amazed by the beauty that surrounds me there. I hope you enjoy these captures as much as we did.

Sincerely,

Summer of 2025 😎

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I’m Just Sayin’

June 22, 2025 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

The Southern vernacular is distinct. Case in point, Buggy. If you are from the South, you know this IS your grocery store shopping cart. Those common Southern phrases that are used in everyday language makes total sense to the user, but, for someone who has never heard that phrase… it can be a definite learning experience.

The Southern dialect is deeply rooted in our colonial past with the integral interaction of various immigrant cultures. Likewise, other regions of the US developed similarly with native dialects and spoken vernacular.

A Southerner can speak to a “non native” of the South in welcoming, hospitable terms… because that’s what we do. We welcome folks here to our corner of the world. But don’t underestimate that “sugary, sweet tea tone” nor the intelligence of the Southern speaker. A true Southern knows that “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar” with the power of words and actions… AND because those same words can leave you “wondering if your cornbread ain’t done in the middle”. That’s right, I surely reckon a well versed Southern can easily complement you and “Bless your heart” all in the same sentence. 😬

*Cornbread and buttermilk crumbled together… a snack or a meal????*

As a hardware store owner, I have had the opportunity to converse with our customers each day. We have have had the pleasure to meet and talk with people from all over the globe. That’s right, from literally every corner of the world in our small, Southern town, inside our hardware store.

As conversation would have it, we have been able to learn a few “new”Southern phrases over the last ten years and even shared a few iconic phrases with non-native Southerners to take back home with them to their corner of the world.

A powerful conversation starter for us at the hardware store most days is the status of the weather. Whether it is freezing cold, pouring rain, or a beautiful sunny day, Southerners say it perfectly, as we often experience the ever changing weather conditions within the same day/week.

I’m Just Sayin’… Southern Phrases and the Weather

It’s Hotter than blue blazes! meaning it’s hot outside and the blue part of flame is the hottest!
That rain was a Gully washer! short heavy rain storm
Boy, that was a Frog strangler… a big rain storm
It’s RAW outside today… meaning it’s cold and wet/moisture in the air
It’s hog killing weather. Very Cold Weather
It’s cold as all get out! Brr…
Looks like it might be blowin up a storm out there.

8. It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity

9. This is front porch sittin weather- mild weather, nice weather

10. Too hot to heat up the oven in this weather…

I’m Just Sayin… The Southern Greetings and the Long Goodbye

The Southern hello or greeting can take you back home… even though your Southern roots/home might be hundreds of miles away. It’s a way Southerners“visit with each other”. Likewise, the long Southern goodbye, makes total sense if you ever grew up in the South, and spent 30 minutes in a parking lot trying to leave somewhere saying “Let me let you go…” or watched your Mama try to get off the rotary phone with a friend, that’s in essence, the long Southern goodbye. Here’s a few of my favorites from this category:

*Many Southern conversations take place inside our vintage walls at Wilkes County Hardware*

Hey, not hi!
Howdy, how y’all doin?
I’ll holler at you later! I’ll call you later
You good? Do you need anything? How are you?
I guess I’d better Skedaddle– get out of here, it’s time to go
I haven’t seen you in a Month of Sundays– it’s been long time since we’ve seen each other
How’s your Mama and them? How’s the family doing
How you been doing? I’m upright and taking nourishment… meaning doing ok
How are you doing?? Fair to middlin’ Doing ok
How are you doing? I’m finer than Frogs Hair! Doing great! Couldn’t be better
Boy, you are a sight for sore eyes! Good to see you!
So, who is your mama and daddy??? Meaning, you meet another person for the first time and they ask… who are your people… making connections and learning about who you are
I’ve known her since she was knee high to a grasshopper- know her since she was a young child
As part of that long Southern goodbye, you might possibly hear this phrase, Lord willing and the creek doesn’t rise!
Finally, finishing off the long Southern goodbye with this final phrase, We’d better hurry up, we’re burning daylight!

I’m Just Sayin…The Southern Meal

Dinner and Supper are the terms Southerners use to describe the afternoon and evening meals. Supper doesn’t have to be a formal affair. It can be a casual family meal where everyone gathers to eat a simple meal. The Southern table is no exception to amazing food and fellowship. You probably have heard of a few of these phrases as you have entered the Southern kitchen to help prepare a meal or gathered at the Southern table.

“*Mess of green beans with new potatoes”, this gorgeous white enamel bowl is available for purchase at WCH… great for all kitchen or gardening tasks!*

Many hands make light work. Working together we can get it done quickly
Sop– soak up … like a biscuit soaking up the last bit of gravy from your plate
You didn’t eat enough to keep a bird alive… meaning you didn’t eat enough
I just need a smidge more of this… a little bit more
I got a Hankering… craving for
I’m so full, I’m about to bust my britches!!! Or I’m full as a tick!
Grab me a pack of Nabs… Lance peanut butter crackers, can be eaten for a snack, substitute for dinner/lunch when you are on the run…

*Pack of Nabs to go…always available for purchase at WCH*

8. Don’t throw out that bacon grease, put it in my mason jar. It’ll keep.

9. That’s Good potlikker… when cooking up a mess of collards or mustard greens, the remaining liquid gold is the potlikker.

10. Stringing up a “Mess” of green beans and “new potatoes”. A mess of green beans, not enough to run a full canner, but enough to feed the family… new potatoes, smallish potatoes just dug from garden and cooked with green beans usually. Now that’s summer cookin’.

11. Sit down and “fix you a plate”, meaning… make yourself at home, grab a plate, and load up on the good food!

*These enamel plates are new, at WCH!!!*

12. Sonker, nope, that is actually a dessert! Read more about it here using the link… Sonker Summers

13. Mater sandwich– tomato sandwich 🍅

*Summer “maters” means a good sandwich is on the way…*

I’m Just Sayin…Strong Soul-Stirring Southern Phrases

These phrases are iconic and unforgettable… I’m just sayin’

Well, I’ll Be… a form of exasperation
Heavens to Besty! Similar to the phrase, oh my goodness!!
Lord, just kiss them up to Heaven! only the Good Lord can help them now… I’m at my wits end
Bless! Or Bless Your Little Ol’ Heart…
Aren’t you just precious! Listen for the user tone with this one
I’m just worn slap out, Plumb tired – exhausted
Look at you… all gussied up! All dressed up
It’s all cattywampus … all out of sorts, not quite right
If it had been a snake, it would have bitten me! It was right there under my sight, just couldn’t see it!
Take your own sweet time
Boy, that really “got my goose”…got the best of me, stumped me
You’re just cute as button! Pumpkin or Sweet Pea… terms of endearment
Smack Dab– in the middle of doing something
“I’ll get to it dreckly”, meaning I’ll do it soon
Mash that button for me, like in an elevator you don’t push a button, you mash it.
I’m just gonna “Hunker” down over yonder … I’m staying home , not moving around, staying put
Fixin to… getting ready to do something

I’m Just Sayin…Phrases A Southern Kid Never Wanted to Hear

If your Southern Mama or Daddy used these phrases in conversation with YOU growing up, you might have been a bit of trouble or needed to rethink your current situation… just sayin

“You weren’t raised in a barn”shut that door please!
Mind your manners/ Act like you have been to town before… meaning behave yourself in public places
Don’t make me tan your hide! Warning… trouble ahead 😬 if you don’t straighten up!
Y’all quit that wrasslin, or I’ll come over there and jerk a knot in you.
Hold your britches, I’m comin!
Piddlin… messing around, not doing much or Lollygaggin, “movin slower than molasses”
Who is making all that ruckus? Who is making all that noise
Over there havin a hissy fit, all tore up over it, or don’t fly off the handle!
Quit being ugly– stop acting out
We need to have a come to Jesus meeting… we need to have a talk and come to terms about this situation
Let me put some Saave on it… the A sound is long… Salve- a cream or ointment put onto skin to soothe or heal
That’s not cutting the mustard, in other words, you probably need to redo what you’re working on, not meeting expectations
Quit making a mountain outta that molehill… it’s really not that big of a deal as you think it is
OR as a kid if you ever said this to your Mama or Daddy before school… I just got Bus left… meaning you missed the school bus and you need a ride to school!!!! 🚌

I feel confident that there are a ton more Southern phrases that are very commonplace within our Southern community. But I’ll stop while I’m behind… 😂😬

I’ll close with one that Wayne, who worked many years at our hardware store used everyday as his daily farewell. This phrase maybe unfamiliar to you, but it is too good not to share his classic farewell with you today for my closing… “If you need me, I’ll call you”-Wayne Matherly

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2024 Photography Favorites

January 24, 2025 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Beginning in early 2024, I wrote these opening lines: “I have decided to take this year and document and capture memories… from our everyday life activities. Everything isn’t glamorous, we work long hours, 6 days a week, but Richard and I find time to share and unwind. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite collected moments via photography.”

What a journey it has been! Here’s a look at a few of my photo favorites from each month in 2024. Below each photograph, I will include the original link to each month from 2024, in case you missed it or would like to see more photos from each month.

Time passes like clouds in the sky…